Respiratory Health Association: new name but same mission 

By Christine Mangan 

The American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, located at 1440 W. Washington Blvd., on July 1 became the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, splitting off from the American Lung Association.

                This change comes after the American Lung Association’s decision three years ago to consolidate local chapters into large multi-state regional associations. Under this new program, Chicago would have been governed along with other states by one board, with only one representative from the city. Also, any funds raised in Chicago would be distributed among the entire chapter.

                “We think we can best achieve our mission by remaining an independent charity,” said Kevin Tynan, deputy executive director. “We think Chicago is so diverse and unique. We believe we need to focus exclusively on the Chicagoland area.”

                Chicago’s chapter is not the only one making this choice. Both California’s and New Hampshire’s chapters decided they could better achieve their mission by becoming independent health charities as well.

                “Local health decisions should be made in the community,” said Joan Boomsma, MD, chair-elect of the new Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. “Our 100 year history of working in Chicago neighborhoods brings an acute sensitivity to the lung needs of our diverse community.”

                Other than the change in name and dropping the affiliation with the American Lung Association, little will be altered in the organization. The programs, staff, location, and phone numbers will remain the same. Similarly, its mission will continue, with an intensified emphasis on Chicago.

                “We’ll continue to focus our efforts on serving the health needs of metropolitan Chicago,” said President and CEO Joel Africk, “but now all the funds we raise will stay in our community.”

                Tynan echoed this statement, saying, “We don’t believe funds raised in Chicago should be spent elsewhere.”

                The Chicago organization was created in 1906 to help fight tuberculosis. Today, it combats tobacco use and asthma. “Our mission is to educate others about lung disease and to fight lung disease through research, education, and advocacy,” said Tynan.

                Over the years, the Chicago chapter has been one of the more active American Lung offices. Besides launching initiatives for chronic obstructive lung disease, women’s lung health, and urban asthma, its staff has played a key role helping to pass Chicago’s and Illinois’s smoke-free legislation.

                “We’ll keep working for people affected by lung disease,” said Boomsma. “We’ll continue fighting for increased research funding for lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stricter air pollution standards, asthma and tobacco education for students, and an expanded flu shot program for seniors.”

                Tynan said of the upcoming change, “I think this is a good move for Chicago.”

                For more information, call (312) 243-2000 or visit www.lungchicago.org.